The integration of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of psychiatric patients into primary health care in the Eastern Cape.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to design and implement the two phases of a three-phased approach to the integration of the psychiatric component into the PHC system in the Eastern Cape. The study included an educational approach in which the PHC nurses were trained to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate psychiatric patients. Case studies and surveys were used to collect data. A sample of six clinics in which twenty registered nurses were trained was conveniently selected. Nurses had to volunteer so that 50% of the registered nurses would take part in the study. Each clinic was seen as a case in which a record review and questionnaires were used to collect data. The data revealed that, given the training in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, nurses could provide the first line of psychiatric care efficiently if there is a backup support from a team of consultants at the secondary health services and a support and supervision from an advanced psychiatric nurse.